A NEW top-of-the-range version of the Nissan Juke has arrived. And the accent is on white in tune with buyers’ tastes.
Replacing the successful Kuro (Kuro is the Japanese word for black) limited edition, Shiro moves to the opposite side of the colour spectrum; it means white in Japanese. The Juke bearing the badge has a host of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range.
Inside there’s a selection of tasteful white detailing. The centre console, inspired by the shape of a motorcycle fuel tank, is painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear gaiter and the edges of the leather seats all feature white stitching, while the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background colour visible through the perforated leather facing.
The interior also benefits from a leather-covered centre armrest complete with white stitching, which also provides additional storage; illuminated chrome-plated sill protectors for the front doors and Juke-branded velour floor mats.
Externally, Shiro can be identified by its stylish dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels, the satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps plus a gloss black finish to the B-pillar. Although available in any of the colours offered on Juke models, Shiro does have one additional unique hue in its palette: Nightshade, a sophisticated deep aubergine colour.
Shiro builds on the top-of-the-range Tekna grade with prices starting from £17,695. It is available with all three engine choices – a 110PS 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS normally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS. A 4×4 version and CVT automatics are also available.
Deliveries are due to commence from March 1, 2012 and like all Jukes, the Shiro will be produced at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland.
Juke has helped the Sunderland plant reach an all-time production record during 2011 of 480,485 vehicles. Following in the hugely successful footsteps of its big crossover brother, Qashqai, Juke exceeded all expectations last year to sell nearly 22,000 units in the UK and more than 132,000 units across Europe, a number that is expected to be beaten in 2012.